AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHorford is in Miami
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
MIAMI - Despite previous reports to the contrary from Hawks coach Mike Woodson, Al Horford did indeed make the trip to Miami with the Hawks for tonight’s game against the Heat.
But don’t get your hopes up.
Horford is not expected to play against the Heat or against the Knicks Wednesday in New York.
Still nursing a sore right knee that has cost him the last eight games, the Hawks’ starting center was not expected to make this trip. But something clearly changed between Woodson’s pregame media blitz Sunday afternoon.
Woodson said he believed Horford would be able to move from some light running to a full practice by Thursday, when the Hawks return from the trip. Since Horford’s on the trip, there is a chance he could work out with the Hawks Tuesday here in Miami before the team departs for New York.
That would push his potential return up a day or two as well, if he’s able to make it through a practice without any complications.
In each of the past two days Horford has said that he’s feeling “much, much better” and that he was hopeful that he’d be able to get on the floor sooner rather than later.
Woodson told our Carroll Rogers that Horford, “wants to play in the worst way, but we’re not going to push it just to get him back out there when he’s not ready.”
When that is suddenly becomes a hot topic with the Hawks desperately in need of their defensive anchor and the 10.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks he provides.
The Hawks have back-to-back games against New Jersey and in Milwaukee on Friday and Saturday, which would make for a tough turnaround for any player coming back from an injury like Horford’s.
If he doesn’t come back by this weekend, he’ll have three extra days to practice before the Hawks’ Feb. 4 game in Minnesota.
Comments
By Clyde
January 26, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
FIRE WOODY
By some sense
January 26, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
OMG, Sekou.
What’s the use of even posting these things if you’re just gonna draw the rednecks out from under their rocks?
By J
January 26, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
Not only do the Hawks need Horf back, but we need to acquire a big fella to occupy the paint so we can move horf back to his natural position.
By rms
January 26, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Is Horford that much of a difference in the Hawks lineup. Its not like they go to him that much in the paint anyway. The Hawks are a jump-shooting team not a low post threat even with a healthy Horford. We lost games we should have won even with Horford in the lineup. I like the guy I just think we need to get him more involved in the offfense and stop settling for jumpshots all the time. Hey Sekou whats up with Mario West and Acie Law??
By A Letter To Coach Woodson
January 26, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
If I could talk to our moron coach here’s that I’d say.
Coach,
Flip is not a Point Guard! Acie is! Why would you say to Acie “that’s why I don’t play you”. What a terrible thing to say to a young man. We all know you’re playing favorites and you personally don’t like Acie. It was the same with Salim. Also, I beg you to come up with a different play call besides “ISO JOE”. There are other players and plays out there. I promise. Can we please get a smart coach who knows and understands the game. We are going to end up 6th or 7th in the east when we should be near the top. This is ridiculous. I’m so sick of seeing him pouting and folding his arms. SHOW SOME EMOTION! CALL SOME PLAYS! Don’t focus on Joe the whole game. We have other players. Tell your players to move around. Have you seen the other teams we play and how much they move without the ball and set screens or pick and rolls. That’s right coach. It’s called a “Pick and Roll” and in the NBA if done correctly it works 60% of the time. You should give it a try. You really should! I hate that we picked you up just cause you were an assistant on the Pistons. You have the worst record of anybody coaching in the NBA right now. Our owners will never pull the trigger because they don’t even watch the freakin games. All they see is that we’re above .500 and that to them means we’re doing great. FIRE COACH WOODSON before we tank this season.
By Daniel
January 26, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the report Sekou. You do a great job keeping us informed on the Hawks. However, I have to say that in general the Hawks blog is the worst sports blog I have ever seen. All I ever see on here from the fans are the same stupid comments over and over. Whether it be simply just a dumb waste of space like Clyde or one of the many pseudo-GMs that post who seem to think that Acie, Solo and Randolph Morris comprise the greatest well of underused talent the world has ever seen. I like to read the daily posts for your insight, Sekou, but I know it must be mind numbing to keep reading the same old comments over and over. The truth is simple the Hawks are vastly improved from last year, mostly due to Bibby, and are probably exactly as good as their current 4th place position has them. Woodson and Sund are doing a solid job. I just wonder Sekou how many of these bloggers are there at practice with you when Acie is showing such amazing skill that clearly makes him the second coming that only a dumb coach like Woodson could keep down? I really hope that people can come up with something new to write about or just keep their opinions to themselves, because they are embarrasing themselves.
By Hey Sekou
January 26, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
Some questions for you:
Does Coach Woodson hate Acie?
Why did he tell him “that’s why I don’t play you” last week?
Also, is “ISO Joe” the only play call Woodson knows?
Is Coach Woodson dumb enough to think flip murray is a Point Guard?
Why did we draft Acie Law? Coach is doing a really poor job at developing him as our future pg and bringing down his confidence level by playing him 9 minutes a game.
Is Acie trade bait?
If we fall to .500 will the owners pull the trigger and get rid of Woodson?
I know you can’t answer them all but any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
By Hey Daniel
January 26, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
You’re asking people to keep their “opinions to themselves” on a blog???? Good luck with that. I’m sure everyone will quiet down now that you have spoken. 80% of the people who post on here want Woodson canned. I’m sure you’ve shut them all up with your witty response.
By Astro Joe
January 26, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Daniel, so you’re saying that the regulars on the Braves blog aren’t talking excessively about the outfield situation? That the Falcons blog is served fresh everyday without the repeated comments about Brooking, Milloy or Jamaal Anderson? Heck, even the political blogs still get bogged down with some version of the same basic theme, “there are good guys (me) and bad guys (you) and nothing in between”.
Please, stop back by and provide the link to the blogs that are providing that unique, never before discussed insight into the Hawks. I’d be thrilled to see such a destination that doesn’t include game analysis from experienced TV viewers, GM suggestions from fantasy participants and player evaluations from former self-declared black-top legends.
In the meantime, give Acie more playing time.
By Daniel
January 26, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Yes, and 80% of the posters on this blog don’t have any idea what they are talking about. There are interesting issues to discuss about the Hawks but this blog keeps getting glutted with the same ole stuff.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
The Heat and Knicks are both beatable without Horford, so I don’t really mind keeping him out for these two games to give him more time to heal. Miami is missing Shawn Marion, which means Udonis Haslem is their only capable big man, and the Knicks don’t really beat people with size anyway. Both Haslem and David Lee are solid players (Lee is a borderline All-Star in my opinion) but neither one is bigger than Zaza, so I don’t think missing Horford will be the difference between winning and losing in these two games.
By STRETCH
January 26, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Shaq should have fouled out by half time! Ive been watching him closely over the years and he constantly beats guys up. And the refs did everything in their power last night to keep him in that game.
There was one foul called and they showed a reply and it clearly showed him commit the foul, but the call went against the Hawks!
Cant blame it all on the zebras though. The so called leaders made terrible decisions down th stretch, miss layups, shots(Bibby), free throws etc!
Another 1st round out. This team will be lucky to win 45 games. Why? because they shoot the ball too much!
By ant banks
January 26, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
State of the Hawks (Union) Address:
1.the rift between woodson and acie is with woodson’s daughter. of all the girls in the metropolitan atlanta area, why in the WORLD would he want to “mess with Mr. Biggs’ girl?”
2.mike bibby has been an integral part of the hawks’ success. please offer him 10mil/yr. for 3 yrs, so that he will know that he is appreciated. this would keep jj put come next year, too. bibby, horford, jj, smoove, this would translate to success for the next couple of years.
3.speedy’s contract will be comin’ off the books next year so this will be relief as far as salaries. with draft picks and childres’ rfa status, we should be able to work somethin’.
4.quit talkin’ about fire woody!! dude is 9 games above .500 and 4th place in the east. we should win 50 games and make it atleast to the 2nd round.
5.mark price has obviously had some affect on shootin’ this year. marvin, flip, mo evans have been doin’ well from 3pt land
6.send randmo back to a d-league team, so that he can get some everyday time. he looks awful out ther.
7.woody’s stickin’ with the “bald head” look. will he threaten to let his hair grow back out if we make it back to the playoffs?
8.woody may be in contention for coach of the year. what other coach is doin’ anything close to what woody has done?
9.refer back to #4
10.GO HAWKS!!
By Daniel
January 26, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Astro,
I just gave you a better topic. See what I mean?
By YESSIR
January 26, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
FIRE CLYDE SUCKA AZZ!!!! CLYDE YOU ARE THE WORST. THE ONLY TIME YOU COMMENT IS WHEN THE HAWKS LOSE. I READ THIS BLOG EVERYDAY AND YOU SUCK!!!!
By terrell barron
January 26, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
Your’re right Najeh, Miami is beatable. But so are the Hawks. Did’nt the Heat just beat the division leader(Orlando) the other day without Marion? Lets see, A 3pt shooting team with the best Center in the game right now(Howard) manning the paint, vs. a 3pt shooting team with Zaza Pachulia manning the paint. My point is, if they can beat Orlando, they can beat the Hawks.
By Kurt
January 26, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Fire Woody??? Are we not improving each year at a fast enough rate? 10 games above .500 isn’t good enough for the Hawks?
Stupid.
By terrell barron
January 26, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
Ant Banks, how can you say Woody is probably the Coach of the year, based on how many games we should win? What about the games we should’ve won? Calling someone the COY at mid-season is ridiculous. If that was the case Jim Mora should’ve been the Coach of the year in his final 2 years as Falcons Head Coach. He had his team at 6-2 both years at the halfway point.
By Samuel
January 26, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Daniel,
Gotta agree with you even if I fall into the 80% category. Guys who never even coached church league telling a Coach of the Year candidate how to run the team.
It’s really funny to me. We’re in 4th freekin place and people are still complaining. I guess we should be ahead of Bos,Clev and Orlando.
If they had their way we’d have studs like: Avery Johnson (unemployed), Mark jackson, Scott Skiles or somebody. Anybody but Mike Woodson.
And this conspiracy to keep Acie down sounds all too familiar like last year. You know where Woody conspired to keep Salim the Sniper down.
Let’s take this one tonight. I actually get to watch.
Woody=COY
By noddy dred
January 26, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
COME BE APART OF THE BEST SUPERBOWL PARTY IN ATLEAST 11 YEARS WHEN THE 2 LIVE STEWS HOST THEIR 1ST ANNUAL STEWPERBOWL PARTY AT THE LUCKY LOUNGE. JOIN ME, THE STEWS, AND A SLEW OF CELEBRITIES FEB. 1, STEWPERBOWL SUNDAY. TELL’EM NODDY SENT YOU.
By tyger
January 26, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
Tyger’s Fav 5
Hawks clearly are a better team, but how much better? Still inconsistent, still losing games they shouldnt, still bad road team, still lacking late game leadership.
Marvin’s footwork and ball handling are improving, two weeks ago I thought he was going to break a leg trying to push the tempo. He’s developing slower, but its a steady progression, this is getting interesting.
Jsmoove is starting to regain his form, lately he’s played like he’s understanding better how to use his skill set. He’s developing his low post offensive game alongwith an indefensible slash, combine that with a tempered outside game and a renewed defensive spirit and this is the Jsmoove we re-signed.
Hawks still competitive w/o Horford, which is a testament to ZaZa and Solo. More reason for Woody to loosen the reigns and play all his bigs. A fresh 6’11 is as good or better than a tired 6’9. Rando is another big kid that needs more P/T as well, he can be useful down the stretch.
Flip is the obvious backup to Bibby, which is too bad for AC, but Flip gives us the best chance to win. AC has to stay ready and take advantage of any minutes he gets, we still need him.
By Astro Joe
January 26, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
I’m all for keeping Horford out until next week. Solo played very admirably last night and deserves to see some early PT tonight. Our next four opponents don’t feature massive (nor massively talented) front courts. Better safe than sorry, let Al sit out the next four contests before returning him to the line-up.
tb, good point with the Mora analogy. The COY will be either Van Gundy or Adelman (Houston may win 50 games while constantly missing 2 of their 3 stars).
By Jamal
January 26, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
U idiots need 2 stop blaming Joe. Of course he can’t perform in crunch time look how many minutes Woody’s dumb a.ss is playing him. He is killing JOe. Lay the F.uck off him.
By rms
January 26, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Stan Van Gundy=COY (Sorry guys but the Magic are having a stellar year, no way the Hawks coach get COY honors over the Magic coach) The Magic are just to good!!
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
No idea where all this venom is coming from Daniel. Sure, we’re a bit myopic around here. But that’s almost a requirement for any blog these days. Ha.
As for those questions Hey asked,
I don’t think Woodson hates Acie. I just think it’s obvious that he doesn’t trust him to run his team right now. And the most perplexing part of the whole thing is that the only way he’s ever going to gain Woodson’s trust is by playing consistently.
“ISO Joe” hasn’t worked terribly well as of late, but it’s been money in the past. So I could see where a coach would retreat to his security blanket (sort of like ISO Kobe, ISO LeBron, ISO Pierce or whoever else you want to stick in there) when things get tight. It’s just the nature of things.
I don’t think anybody is confusing Flip Murray with Bob Cousy. He’s a combo guard and everybody knows it.
I don’t think Acie is trade bait at all. He’s as valuable now as ever, because by the middle of the summer he could be the only point guard on your roster (hence the need to develop him now).
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Unless Utah completely misses the playoffs, my Coach of the Year is Jerry Sloan. Him not winning a Coach of the Year yet is like if Michael Jordan went his whole career without an MVP. It is a travashamockery.
Daniel, is your last name Woodson?
By JM
January 26, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
First, if the iso Joe hasn’t been working, it is not blaming Joe to point it out. It is a team game so no one is singling out Joe. But if he can take credit for the wins we he plays well he can take credit for his part in the losses when he doesn’t. Also isn’t the point of the blog to allow fans to state their opinions and observations? So if I keep seeing the same damn thing, I’ll keep writing the same damn thing. Unless Sund is posting here or Woody, none of us have the power to do anything except add our two cents. So here is my two: if you had the lead by moving the ball and running, move and run when the iso ain’t working and if you don’t trust the young fella, put Law in the game with Bibby. Woody plays Flip and Bibby at the same time so he could do the same with Law.
By Fred
January 26, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Hey AJC.com - how about some real investigative reporting—-
What is Smith’s shooting percentage on jump shots. Anything over 15% and I’m afraid I’d have to call you a liar.
JSMOOTH - YOU ARE NOT BEING PAID TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO BUILD HOUSES WITH ALL THOSE 17 FOOT BRICKS YOU ARE CHUNKING UP THERE.
YOU ARE A GREAT PLAYER - YOUR JUMP SHOT SUCKS! MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND QUIT TAKING THAT STUPID LOOKING JUMPER (THAT YOU NEVER FOLLOW UP, WHICH IS REALLY STUPID CONSIDERING THAT 4 TIMES OUT OF 5 THERE WILL BE A LONG REBOUND)
By cp
January 26, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
Free Law
By MsDee
January 26, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
If Acie leaves and performs well somewhere else, it just goes to show once again how Woodson either just dont like rookies or knows how to develop them, or better yet, just not patient enough to get them ready cause there is no reason why Acie shouldnt be geting more planning time!! PERIOD!! i dont care what Daniel says!! Woodson may be 9 games over .500 but we should just be looking at just that but trying to keep our distance from other teams who are breathing down our backs trying to get where we are now..cause as all us Hawks fans should know by now, if we EVER fall 2-3 games from 4th place, we will NEVER,,I repeat, NEVER regain that position again..MARK MY WORDS!!
By SlimG
January 26, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
We need AL back immediately. Without him, who rebounds and makes the 12foot jumper.
Why not foul Shaq last night with less than a minute left?
By Hollywould
January 26, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with JM. Do what you have done the whole game. I believe I saw Marvin upset during the 5 minute debacle. He never touched the ball until he got in Woodson’s ear. Hey Joe/ maybe one time when you go to the hole( Slam the damn ball)you always have to be so cute. FREE LAW
By Ok Sorry Daniel
January 26, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
It’s all good news and positive blogging from here on out. We’re the greatest team in the world and there’s nothing to vent about because there is nothing wrong. Is that better? We don’t want to hurt your feelings little guy. Sorry about that. It’s all hunkey dorey in Hawks Land. Woodson is the greatest coach of all time and calls the greatest plays. We’re gonna win the finals!
By IS THIS TRUE??
January 26, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
This may sound dumb but I’ll ask anyway …Is that rumor true that Acie is seeing Coach Woodson’s daughter? I’m sorry if that was a joke that someone mentioned but if that’s true there really is a situation of playing favorites here on Woodson’s part
By BA
January 26, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this
rms, you’d be right about Horford if these games didn’t involve defense. As far as “running the offense” through Horford, why would you do that, run everything through a second year player, when you’re paying your veteran backcourt $30 million to score.
As far as that dumb “letter to Woodson”, you should watch the games. Johnson and Bibby in particular are constantly running pick-and-rolls. Smith, Williams, Bibby and Murray get plenty of touches- and Johnson leads the team in assists.
Enough with these asanine “Joe Iso” complaints. Watch the games. You’re just not being accurate.
Enough about Acie Law. When Law has more than two or three good games in his NBA careeer, maybe all of the clamoring would make some sense. Bibby is having a career year, and Murray has been lights out most of the time. There’s not minutes for Law, even if he were the great player all of you think he is (without having proven a damn thing in this league).
Enough about Smith and the jumpshots. All the guy has done for a week is take it to the damn hole and rebound. If they kick it out to him with 5 seconds left on the shot clock, what would you expect him to do? ‘Nique didn’t hit those shots when he was 22 either.
By I .MUS WRITE
January 26, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
Jamal stop with the garbage….There are other all stars logging the same amount of minutes so ur argument is weak. If he’s so tired,he should post up more and stop all the fade away jumpers. Look at wade he is carrying that team playing at a high level every nite…… JJ is a good player but once again he is a second tear type Redd,Nowitzki,Ginobilli etc
Daniel-No comment
If this blog is so terrible Y Read/Post here. Kick rocks Boone
By rms
January 26, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
the reason why I said “run the offense” through Horford is because he is a rising star in this league and case in point last night if your 30 million dollar backcourt are throwing up bricks what other options do you have? Yes, I like it when Smith takes it to the hole, he is better in the paint anyways. To all this may concern: No, I wont shut up about Law getting more playing time until ownership make a decision as to what they are going to do with Bibby. After Bibby, Law is the only point guard we got, so what happens if he gets hurt. Murray is going to the 1 spot and Claxton plays back up…I hope not!!!
By smh
January 26, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
Explain to us oh mighty BA how Law can have more than 2 or 3 good games ( he has actually had more than that. but I guess that was sarcasm on your end) if he does not get consistent minutes.. So when Flip was stinking it up with all of his turnovers and forced shots he was lighting it up? I’m convinced some of the guys who feel Law should not play just don’t watch the games but the box scores… Look at the number of assist Law has and the number of turnovers he has. Then look at the number of assist to turnovers Flip has. Then look at how Flip has almost tripled Law minutes yet Law has a better assist to turnover ratio. Flip averages more turnovers than assist. So please explain to me why he is playing at the point so much . I thought the job of the pg was to get other players involved.. Flip is a shooting guard playing pg because the coach refuses to let Law play consistent minutes. If Law was allowed the same freedom that Flip has i’m sure he could put up similar numbers. You guys on here are funny. Not once have I seen guys say Law should start. What I see them say that he should get consistent minutes. Who said Law was great? Please show me a post where someone said that. If Bibby leaves as a free agent then who will be our starting pg next season. Flip? It wont be Law because the so called coy has yet to develop him..
Samuel do you hold it for Woodson when he uses the bathroom? How is he the coach of the year when he isn’t the best coach in our division? Where were you when the Magic were killing us by 50, when the first year head coach in Philly was out coaching ya boy Woody, when Jamal Crawford was having his way with Bibby, or how about yesterday when Nash was making Bibby his b***… You only seem to come around after the Hawks beat some pathetic teams. You come on here to pat yourself on the back. When Bibby is getting torched on the defensive end or ya coy is looking dumb out there nobody sees you. Dude remove ya lips from Woodsons zipper.
By Clyde
January 26, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
The Hawks aren’t improving. The talent in the NBA is just getting worse and worse by the year. They are still making the same ole mistakes they made 3 years ago. The three ball has saved this team this year.
Woody still has two plays up his sleeve. Give it to someone in the post or isolate Joe.
Did any of yall see the game last night? Woody called a timeout down the stretch. Out of the timeout he called a play and guess what that was? A post up isolation for Marvin who got stripped. Its been 4 years and he still can’t draw up a play to get a easy basket for his team.
And again Woody wants to live and die with his starters instead of playing the hot hand. There is no way Flip Murray should have been on the bench in the last 4 minutes.
Just like I said its the same ole stuff night end and night out. If the three ball ain’t working we don’t stand a chance. We still need a center, we still need a guard that can penetrate instead of jacking up threes because he’s too slow to get by his man and we still need a coach that can draw up a play when we need it.
And Daniel shut up. If you don’t like this blog don’t read it and don’t post on it. To me this is the best blog in the world because of its diversity. We all want the Hawks to succeed but everyone has a different opinion on how it should happen.
Diverse opinions and perspectives make good blogs.
FIRE WOODY
By BA
January 26, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
smh, you’re talking out both sides of your mouth. If he (Law) hasn’t had enough p.t. to establish how good he is, then why should I consider his assist/turnover ratio, with so few minutes? Can’t have it both ways.
And if all of the constant posts about Law not playing enough DOESN’T prove that you all think Acie is a great player, then why the constant posts? Are you posting constantly about Law because you think he’s an ok player?
We’ve got one of the best two guards in the league, who (as I.MUSWRITE pointed out) plays a lot of minutes, just like other stars in this league. We’ve got a veteran point guard who’s having an outstanding year. Murray has been (except for that stretch a few weeks ago) as advertised, and they paid him a lot of money to come in here. That wouldn’t have happened if they thought Law was ready for that role.
So now, when the Hawks are on a pace to win FIFTY freakin games, NOW we need to scrap all of that and “develop” Law for next year?
It’s not like Law hasn’t seen the floor at all, and when he has, blown layups, turnovers, and missed defensive assignments. But the logic is, “play him more”? I think you’d see more turns, more blown layups, etc.
There’s not a coach in this league that is basing p.t. on what might, could or would happen next year, except for the rebuilding teams maybe. We’re not rebuilding. We’re the #4 seed in the East, have been for awhile. Johnson, Bibby, Murray, etc. have put us in that position. It doesn’t make sense (to me) to chuck all of that in the interest of “developing” Law for next year.
By BA
January 26, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Clyde has convinced me. The Hawks haven’t improved.
It’s that the ENTIRE NBA has regressed around them.
All of the games we’ve watched, all of these wins, they didn’t really happen. It was all an optical illusion.
By Macaroni Tony
January 26, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this
What the Hell is Clyde talking about? I don’t know if he like’s the Hawks or just blog here because he’s doesn’t have anything else to do….. We’re not going to win all 82 games in a season…
By smh
January 26, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this
It’s not like Law hasn’t seen the floor at all, and when he has, blown layups, turnovers, and missed defensive assignments. But the logic is, “play him more”? I think you’d see more turns, more blown layups, etc.
So once again if that is the case why does Flip have more turnovers than Law. Flip is third on this team in turnovers per game yet he comes off the bench. Come on dude what are you talking about. Who said anything about scrapping something and develop Law. I’m sure its possible to get Law minutes at the point and play Flip at the 2. It did happen when the season began. You should consider how well he takes care of the ball and how he distributes the ball despite playing major minutes. Once again if Law was given teh minutes Flip has been given im sure he can produce similar if not better numbers all while not turning the ball over so much. How can you criticize Law for turning over the ball and missing shots when Flip turns the ball over more and is still does not shoot a high percentage. Flip did not get paid a lot of money to come here. He was one of the few free agents left. Better options were already gone.. They brought him here to give us scoring off the bench. What does that have to do with him playing a position he clearly sucks at playing? You know why people constantly post about giving Law minutes? Maybe because they see he has talent but has not been given an opportunity to produce.. Maybe because they know Bibby is a free agent and with this ownership its not a guarantee he comes back next year. Then what? We will be right back in the same position saying how we need a pg and how the guy we took 11th in the draft has not been given a chance to show what he can or cannot do.. I’m pretty sure Law can shoot 42 percent from the field , average more turnovers than assist, and look for his shot only if he was given 22 minutes per game. Law doesn’t even play 10 minutes per game Once again give him the same freedom Flip gets and I’m sure he can provide similar numbers. Flip defense is also average at best. He has gotten lit up a lot this season. Its amazing how I can hear other play by play guys mention how Law should play more but certain fans of the Hawks think he shouldn’t play at all because he hasn’t proved anything. What the hell can you prove in 10 minutes?
By ant banks
January 26, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
Why Woody for COY=? No one expected atlanta to be in 4th place halfway through the season and definitely not 9 games above .500.
Vand Gundy Magic has not changed drastically. they have been a playoff team for the past 3 years. he is not doin’ anythin’ different. they are doin’ the same things that they were doin’ last year and the year before that…winnin’
Sloan can’t be COY because he is not doin’ anythin’ out of the ordinary. they have been a consistent 5th seed playoff team in the west for the past 10 yrs.
atlanta wasn’t expected to do nothin’ last year…they took the eventual champs 7 games
atlanta wasn’t expected to do much this year…they are 9 games above .500, 4th seed in east, had 20+ wins before the new year
what coach in the league is doin’ somethin’ extremely different, out of the ordinary? to me that is what coach of the year means.
last year doc was coy because he took boston from worse to first. this was out of the norm.
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
Daniel, you bring up an interesting point. If everything here is a rehash, and there are far more compelling points that have not been addressed, then you would do us all a service by articulating a relevant issue that has yet to be discussed. Now, since you mentioned that you regularly read the blog, despite the indigestion you get from doing so (OK, I am the guy who once used the term “great unwashed masses”), there should be no confusion on identifying a topic that is both “new” and “compelling”.
Truth is I’m willing to bet you can’t come up with an issue that is of any relevance, that hasn’t already been discussed here.
But feel free to provide something new…..
I’m a little disappointed in Sekou. Does anyone else think it would have been natural to follow up a blog titled “Hawks rise like the Sun(s)” with one titled “But will they fade in the Heat”?
Maybe it’s just me.
By smh
January 26, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
Flip averages more turnovers per game than our starting pg. Flip should not be the primary backup pg. That is my problem with the situation. Flip should back up Joe. He should not be playing the point at all. Whenever he comes in to play the 1 the ball movement stops and he looks for his shot.. I would rather see Law be the primary ball handler and let him set up Flip or whoever is on the court… In that one game against the Warriors Flip played off the ball while Law set him up.. The Hawks made a run and they had ball movement because the ball was not stuck in Flips hands. You can play Flip his minutes or whatever but do it at the 2 spot where is better utilized. Its Woodsons 5th year and he still does things to make players less effective. That is like last year when he had Chill playing the point which then made Chills less effective because he wasn’t hanging around the baseline grabbing boards and finishing.
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this
And Daniel, if you want fresh, check out the Hacks’ blog. I defy you to find any previous attempt to tie the Hawks’ season to the modified lyrics of an old Bon Jovi song.
Now THAT is not the same old, same old.
Feel free to bring all your “new” ideas to me and Big Ray’s blog. We’re looking for a few, new clever contributors……..
By BA
January 26, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
Guess this is just as simple as a difference in opinion, smh. You think, given equal time, that Law would perform better than Murray has. I’m just not of that opinion.
I will concede that it’s hard for me to tell much about Law, because he has not been given enough minutes to say anything definitve about his value as an NBA player.
To a team that (as H.B. has chronicled) is strapped for cash, to give Flip what they gave him IS a lot of money to spend. If you’re some sort of millionare mogul and I don’t know it, then I guess to you that isn’t a lot of money.
But whatever they’re paying Murray, they’re not doing it for him to be a towel waver. Yeah, he turns it over a lot- so do Johnson and Smith. What else can all three of them do? Score in bunches and distribute.
Flip is by no means a classic point guard, but he played the point last year in Detroit off the bench, and I think he was the Pacers starting point at the end last season.
Wonder why those coaches didn’t think he “sucked” at that postition?
I agree ant banks- there’s no reason to think that Woodson wouldn’t be in the discussion for coy, and he has certainly come a long way with the work so far this season.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this
joe got the socks working, and beauties on his feet…
good aggressive move tot the basket, make Wade defend…
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
2 early fouls on Wade… the Heat are lost offensively without him and the Hawks are playing good defense so far. Looking good right now.
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
It’s just you Ando!
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
Too many turnovers early on though…
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this
That was clearly a continuation shot for Josh. Should have been an AND1 opportunity…. I bet you Wade would have gotten that call…
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
We’re not mature enough to take advantage of Wade’s absence. Big opportunity missed.
By Astro Joe
January 26, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
I think Joe Johnson has been kidnapped and replaced with Ladell Eckles. Granted, a thinner Ladell, but still… this ain’t the Joe we’ve seen for the past few years.
Ando, was that you defending the blog regulars? Wow, I had to pick up my laptop after reading that one. And I even chuckled with the Sun/Heat line. WTF?
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this
Way too many turnovers. With Wade already on the bench with those two fouls, there’s no way you should let the Heat off the hook like this. The Hawks can’t seem to locate the openings, though. And Chalmers has some of the quickets point guard hands in the league. He anticipates passes before they are thrown and repeatedly beats his man to the spot. It’s impressive to see from any player, let alone a rookie.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this
These turnovers are just killing the Hawks right now.
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess we should feel lucky that we score only 14 and shoot 30% on the road, and are only down 3 at the quarter.
Offense looks sickly. What happened to cutters?
By cp
January 26, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
What is up with Josh and all the missed free throws. Its been ugly this season…. How in the world did Chalmers slip into the second round. The kid is a steal… He was blowing past all of our sub par defenders…. Free Law.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this
Acie Law’s in the game!
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
All we can muster is 14pts in the 1st and DWade only played 4 mins…. Ok Acie is in the game and Hawks are down 6. Let’s monitor his play…
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
Joe, don’t worry. It was clearly some type of anamoly. It’s unlikely to occur again, anytime soon………
By cp
January 26, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
Does Flip ever look to pass the ball?
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this
AJ
It was “Weird Ando.”
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
The Hawks’ offense is brutal right now. They’ve managed just three field goals thus far. How could it be this hard to get a layup in a basketball game?
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
This is quite grotesque. The Hawks are shooting 20%.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
this is the lineup i wanted to see… acie, bibby, joe, josh….
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this
My Gosh. The Hawks has 12 turnovers and 15pts…
By cp
January 26, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this
This has been pathetic.
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
Sekou
Like I said, where are the cutters?
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
Sometimes the Hawks make it really hard to enjoy this game with the way they play offense.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
This game is bringing back memories of Peja Drobnjak…
By Clyde
January 26, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
FIRE WOODY
JJ is worn out and we aren’t even at the all-star break. I kinda hope he doesn’t get into the all-star game because he needs his rest for the second half of the season if the Hawks are going to make a playoff run.
FIRE WOODY
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
good look acie… catch and finish marvin… the dimes are coming.. this pg can actually get to the rim…!!
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this
LOL, Sautee: Weird Ando Yankonthis………….
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this
Up until this point at least the defense and effort has been acceptable, but I’m starting to see even that become worse. This is quite hideous. Why the hell is Joe Johnson passing up makeable shots?
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
GOOD D… ACIE… thats how you defend the perimeter… well, Acie out the game, back to playing 4 on 5 on the defensive end…
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t mind seeing some Rick Barry-style free throw shooting at this point. These missed free throws are ridiculous. And now the defense is falling apart too. This is looking like 121-87.
By Murphy
January 26, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
Joe dosent look tired. He looks scared of contact. He keeps passing up makeable shots or shots where he could get to the free throw line. He has been playing like a girl the past couple of games
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
ole nasty stankin offense.. pure garbage…!!
By Da Real Real
January 26, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this
What a difference a few nights can make. Here we are complimenting our offense and we can’t come close to buying a bucket and now the Hawks are letting it effect the rest of their game. Every since Flip gave the foul that started that 4 point swing??? it’s been a different game. We can’t buy a basket and Miami is knocking everything down.
I’ve noticed in games that we’ve had like this that JJ and Bibby will not take the game over like we would need them to do. Can’t afford to have JJ passing up shots when we’re down big in a game that we need. This is what we were getting at the other night when JJ was off…luckily everybody else was clicking. If he’s off and nobody else is clicking we can get drilled by just about any team in the league
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
Meltdown City right now. The Hawks are just going through the motions right now. This is insane. They’ve scored seven whole points since the end of the first quarter. And now Wade is back to try and finish them off before halftime.
By cp
January 26, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
I hope the so called coy has some better scheme for he second half. Wade is showing that Joe cant guard him so take him off of Wade because Wade is abusing him out there. We have blown so many point blank shots out there that it is ridiculous.
By Samuel
January 26, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if i’ve ever seen a worse half of basketball on any level.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
Tell these guys with the Hawks name on the front of their Jersey to stay in the locker room at halftime. It doesn’t make any sense for a professional team to look this badd…
By SIMPDAWG
January 26, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
Like I said before,this team has no HEART!!!
By Astro Joe
January 26, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
People, the term is FUGLY.
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this
Big Congratulations to our record breaking Hawks!
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this
The most discouraging part about that half was that the Heat didn’t play well at all. They were turning it over, Wade sat out for a significant chunk of time, Cook was missing all kinds of shots.. it wasn’t a well-played half by them either. If the Hawks had played even an average half they would probably be leading right now. Instead they played about as badly as they did against Orlando a couple of weeks ago. They are just lucky the Heat are nowhere near as good as Orlando.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this
damn anyone who comes on here talking about the comments being uniform, boring, old “news” ect. ect…
bottom line is we have chronic, glaring deficiencies on both ends of the floor.. point blank period..
if you have issues with the content go to a Lakers blog or something and talk celebrities, weather, or whatever floats yo boat, WE TALKING HAWKS BASKETBALL, OUR REALITY* !!!
By ray
January 26, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
Yeeeesh….ugly game, and that’s putting it nicely.
Nothing is going right. If we don’t miss the shot, we turn the ball over. Why aren’t we consistently going to the basket? Who’s stopping us…Joel Anthony? Yeah right….something’s gotta shake loose sooner or later.
Of course, it is the players missing shots and turning the ball over. But I’m sure it’s nothing a COY can’t fix somehow. Or is that not what a COY does…Heh…
Who is this Daniel character? Ding….
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
After that first half, I guess my throw-away line, for Sekou’s blog title, should have been “But will they FAINT in the Heat?”.
Historically ugly first half.
Not so good…..
By otrhawksfan
January 26, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
as i listen online that was a horific first half. jj has to start put up some shots. will someone plz guard d wade!!!! what ever bus they got on to get to the game they should walk back to the hotel room!!!!!!!!!!! do anyone think we can come back from such a bad 1st half.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this
i said before about Hawks playing winning basketball when they share the ball, swing the ball, make the d work…
how many times do we swing the ball in our offense, where more than 1-3 players touch on a given possession… this yields low shooting percentages cause you getting low % shots because we lack the ability to penetrate defenses… passes will compensate for sub par penetration…
By SIMPDAWG
January 26, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
This team has quit on Coach Woodson, or they just don’t want to play tonight. This team is an embarrassment to our great city and they are not as good as their record, and to be truthfully honest as of now Joe Johnson doesn’t deserve to be a year’s *All Star *.
By damfkingdon
January 26, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
Pull a Lawrence Franks and bench your starters for the second half to send a message. It can’t get worse than this can it?
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
i think they said 4qrt. basketball 69pts…
By Nate ArchiBALL
January 26, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this
Ant, Make sure RandyMo takes Mario West with him to the D - League.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith isolation has produced the only two field goals of the half so far. Maybe Woody’s been running iso’s for the wrong guy?
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this
cp they are screening joe off wade..
By SIMPDAWG
January 26, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
The way these guys are playing tonight, they won’t score over 60 points.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
Sekou, do us a favor and don’t interveiw any Hawks players after this game. We don’t want to hear anything they have to say…
By O'brien
January 26, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
Even Nique is critiquing the Hawks offense. He said we need to pass the ball before the double team comes (I wonder who he’s talking about), and he said we are so much better with the ball in motion, as opposed to ISO. It seems like everybody gets it, except Woody (and our players sometimes).
By miami
January 26, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
This is just embarrassing to watch. I am going to turn off the TV
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this
Man, when this game is over, folks are going to look at the score and wonder if they played it without the 24-second shot clock…..
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Almost 30 mins of Bball and all we can score is 37pts. Woody, how about clearing your bench, I’m sure they can’t do much worst…
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this
good shyt flip…
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
Sekou’s blog says, “Horford is in Miami”.
Looks like he’s the only Hawk who made the trip down…….
By Samuel
January 26, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
36% FG, 59% FT
Fire Mark Price
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this
COACH CAN U LEAVE BIBBY ON THE BENCH TONIGHT*?
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this
WHY DO YOU RUN THE SAME END OF THE QTR. ISO PLAY FOR FLIP WHEN IT IS EFFECTIVE 7.534% OF THE TIME…??
By Sekou K. Smith
January 26, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
Even the “comeback” is painful to watch. If the Heat allows the Hawks to come back and steal this game they’ll be my goats of the New Year. And they’re starting to look a little shaky to me.
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
Does anybody remember the last time we went Iso Flip at the end of a quarter and it actally worked?
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this
moe is a horrible one on one defender.. he came here talking bout how he wanted to be the man who guards the oppositions best player (he said this now, in an interview with Bob)
Shytttin me…!!!
By AJW
January 26, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
Flip showed up! This has to make #1 as the ugliest game of the season for both the Hawks and the Heat. The Heat should be blowing us out right now, but we actually have a chance to win. CRAZY!!!
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
Samuel…
im telling you, i mean they shot better from the line last year…
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
bs.. that was back court…
By RndMnd42
January 26, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this
Hate to say but its time for Woodson to go. This team shows NO energy when they play.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this
damn coach, how bout you call something… Flip can score the rest of your points… geeesh….
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
So we decide to play after wasting away the 1st 3 qtrs… Let’s see if we have enough gas in the tank to finish…
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
can you please get another ball handler in the game… take Mo out put Law in…!!!
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
MOE SUCKS…
GETS LOST ON SCREENS CANT DEFEND ONE ON ONE…
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
SEE… YOU ELIMINATE FLIPS GAME WHEN YOU PRESSURE HIM… CHALMERS DID, SO WHAT DID WE DO….
WOODSON: “UHH NUTHIN… I DUNNO…UH.? ”
By cp
January 26, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
Another bad foul by Flip
By RndMnd42
January 26, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this
!#@!@$ Joe makes me F#$% insane sometimes!!!
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this
” NIGHTS LIKE THIS I WISH, THAT RAIN DROPS WOULD FA..A..A..A..AAALLL”
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Why does Joe continues to dribble the ball from sideline to sideline instead of directly to the rim a la D.Wade…
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
WE MAKE, AT THE MOST 3 PASSES A POSSESSION…
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t ever think I seen a guy with Joe size, scoring and ball handling ability have so many problems finishing in the paint.
By AJW
January 26, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
THIS IS AWFUL! AWFUL! AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!AWFUL! AWFUL!
By RndMnd42
January 26, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry. Joe is just a really good player but superstar he’s not.
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
Melvin
That’s an excellent question.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
Clear the bench WOODY. You’re down 17pts with 3mins left…
By rms
January 26, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
I told you guys the Hawks are not as good as we think. No rythm or intensity at all. I blame it on the players just as much as the coach should take the fall. This is ridiculous to come out and play like this!! Turn in your paychecks at the end of the game!
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this
JOE HAS TO WORK WAY TO HARD TO GET OFF.. MAN ITS A SHAME…
U KNOW I WATCH WADE, AND ITS LIKE HE GETS WHAT HE WANTS FROM HIS SPOSTS ON THE FLOOR, WHERE HIS GAME IS MOST COMFORTABLE… AND IF ITS NOT THERE, HE KICKS… THE GAME IS MUCH EASIER FOR HIM…
JOE IS EVERYWHERE ON THE FLOOR… ALL OVER THE PLACE, ON THE PERIMETER, MID RANGE, POST… WE ASK WAY TO MUCH OF HIM… IN THIS SILLY OFFENSE…
By otrhawksfan
January 26, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
how can these hawks get to better starts?? lets get josh in the post and work some easy baskets. the state of fla. is not kind to ga passed teams i guess
By ray
January 26, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
Wade continues to do what superstars do: make things happen for his team, even when they’re not playing well.
Where’s our superstar? What about our COY?
Oh, this is a good one. So it’s not Woody’s fault when the players don’t execute, but it’s Mark Price’s fault when they miss shots. Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ring-a-mutha-f’in-Ding…
By AJW
January 26, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
No matter how good at playing defense you are, if you can’t make a basket it doesn’t matter.
We really miss Horford. He is our only consistent rebounder.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
How are we going to remain in the 4th spot if we can’t beat teams on the road or that have a .500 or above record????????????
By Did You Know??
January 26, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
That most blogs are posted on by only 2 or 3 people under 40 different Names.. Heh heh heh.
By AJW
January 26, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
I think we should fire Mark Price.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
Sekou, I ask you not to interview any players after the game. Please add coaches to that as well. Again we don’t want to hear anything they have to say after playing this awful in such a meaningful game.
By RndMnd42
January 26, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this
EMBARASSING………………..again…………………………………
By Sautee
January 26, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Ray
LOL!!!! Exactly!
By cp
January 26, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
Lol@ray… You got me dying over here lmao.
By Matt = niremetal
January 26, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
I love how people deride JJ. He scores 19 points on 7-15 shooting while guarding the league’s leading scorer - the night after he played 43 minutes of a game against one of the fastest teams in the league.
He’s one of only 6 guys in the league averaging 20 points and 6 assists per game. He’s asked to be the top scorer, guard the opposing team’s best perimeter defender, AND run the offense at least 1/4 to 1/3 of the team’s possessions. It’s miracle he hasn’t broken down like an old engine the way that Woody plays him.
And you’re calling him not a superstar? Steve Nash wasn’t a superstar until D’Antoni. JJ is already one of the 5 best backcourt players in the NBA, along with Kobe, D-Wade, and CP3. Put JJ on a team where a coach knows how to run an offense and use a decent player rotation, and I bet he’d crack the top 3.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
WADE LOOKED LIKE MJ TONIGHT… NO LIE…
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Everyone else has already said what has needed to be said about the p!ss-poor offensive execution, so I’m not going to elaborate further. What I want to point out is that at least half of Wade’s points came from shots taken from nearly the exact same spot on the floor, just inside the 3-point line and just outside the elbow. After the first two or three of those you would think the Hawks would make some kind of defensive adjustment to keep him from getting to that spot on the floor. Better yet, you’d think that the coaching staff would have seen on film that Wade likes that spot and devised a game plan to keep him away from there. I wasn’t disappointed in the defensive execution tonight, but the inability to react to what the Heat were doing was a main reason why the 4th quarter comeback didn’t materialize.
By AJW
January 26, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Time for a trade! We should trade Joe for something good.
By Melvin
January 26, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this
I lobby for us to sign Jamaal Magloire this off season but we sign RandMo instead. Way to go Sund…
By Harry Hawk
January 26, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
I said that Bibby was “almost” as useless as t** on a boar yesterday. He most assuredly was as useless as t** on a boar tonight. Dude played 32:11 and had 2 points, 0 assists, 5 turnovers, and went 0-3 at the line and 0-4 behind the arc.
Come on, Mike. Let’s get it rollin’ again, man.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, and don’t look now, but Miami’s in the #5 seed right now and only a game and a half behind Atlanta.
By pinoy hawk
January 26, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
changes should be made after this awful game. we should start with the coach then brainstorm who among the starting five should be traded
By HB Ando
January 26, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
You know on a night like this, where the Hawks really frustrate their fans, there’s nothing better than having another avenue to vent….
Feel free to visit the Hawks Hacks’ blog, and speak your mind! Not only are the graphics of our platform cooler, you’re post goes up the second you submit it.
No waiting five minutes to see if your post made it, or if anyone jumped in on your opinion.
Everyone is doing it and it’s safe to drive home after a full night of self-indulgence. And our blog is officially approved by Sekou Smith…………..
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 26, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Bibby was pretty useless today. Over in Oklahoma City, the visiting Nets’ coach Lawrence Frank once again had Devin Harris and Vince Carter on his bench in the 4th quarter (at least from what I could tell looking at the box score). I would have been fine with an Acie Law/Flip Murray backcourt throughout the 4th quarter if the resulting increase in tempo would have swung momentum in the Hawks’ favor.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU …Matt = niremetal THANK YOU… NAJEH
REFER TO MY 9:58 post guys
By terrell barron
January 26, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this
Now that’s what a real superstar does to his division rival at home. Embarrass them! How embarrasing.
By bigdave
January 26, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this
aye Harry Hawk dont tell kirkinga that he’ll swear you up and down you are a lie….
in 2 big games in Fla we get whipped in both… and in both we had no fire/energy in either…
By terrell barron
January 26, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this
7th or 8th seed, here we come.
By doc
January 26, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this
well we got the answer to our question tonight. you dont go over one quarter without a field goal if you have a superstar. end of story. glad i missed this one.
By Hey Sekou
January 26, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this
Please do not put an AJC positive spin on this one when you write your next blog. It’s time this coaching staff face the media! They don’t make adjustments. They don’t call plays other than isolation. There was no passion on the floor. No one wants to play for this moron. We need a new coach. If that isn’t obvious. I dont know what is. If not now…when? When we’re below .500 again? When is the right time to move on. Look at his record. What does he have to stand on? I get it. He hasn’t had the best players. But there are a lot of coaches our there with worse players who give more effort, have more passion, show more drive, aren’t as stubborn, don’t play favorites, and KNOW HOW TO COACH!!!!
By hawkfan
January 27, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this
all I got to say is: WELCOME TO MIAMI, bienvenido a Miami, now we just have to move on, go hawks!
By hawkfan
January 27, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this
all I have to say is: WELCOME TO MIAMI, bienvenido a Miami, now we just have to move on, go hawks!
By Matt = niremetal
January 27, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this
Woodson: “Luckily, we were able to get back in the game, but we just didn’t have the juice coming down the stretch.”
Gee! I wonder why that could be! Could it be because you played your two best players 42+ minutes in both games of a back to back? Nooooo….
This guy is unreal. He says his bench hasn’t gotten the minutes they need to be ready, but somehow doesn’t recognize that the solution to that is to play his bench more. He complains that the team doesn’t have the “juice” to make a run in the 4th quarter, but somehow doesn’t recognize that the solution is to give his starters an occasional rest.
Man. 4 years with this guy. He’s been around basketball a long time, but I’ve never seen someone who is so stubborn and insistent about refusing to play his bench. Did he not learn anything from watching the Pistons’ title run in ‘04, when the team had a 9-man rotation? Or from the Celtics’ 10-man rotation last year? When will he learn that a 7.5 man rotation is counterproductive in the long run?? The answer at this point is painfully obvious: Never.
Man oh man…
By jjneedsamirror
January 27, 2009 2:16 AM | Link to this
How dare JJ say they don’t make the extra pass. He doesn’t make the extra pass. He is the only one holding the ball. i have never seen anyone be more of a ball stopper than this guy. Bibby did not have an assist. Joe, Flip and Mo Evans are black holes. Go check the game from yesterday. How did he have 13 assists yesterday because I don’t remember him making 13 passes. No energy, this guy get destroyed defensively every night. In his defense, Johnson & Smith must be dead tired playing the whole second half again without a rest. Woodson coaches like he never played the game. Why would you still have all these guys in with 3 minutes to go. The Hawks bench must have depression problems because it is obvious Woodson has no respect for them. A BLOWOUT is an ideal situation to get your bench some time on the court. Joe Johnson needs to watch some tape of this game and listen to his own advice.
By Author
January 27, 2009 3:33 AM | Link to this
jjneedsamirror,
I love how you say JJ is a ballhog and then brush aside the fact that he had 13 assists last night. Wow…unbelievable. One of the most unselfish 2-guards in the game and you make him sound like his mentality is equivalent to Kobe c.2002.
And he gets destroyed defensively every night? Seriously? What a joke you are.
By terrell barron
January 27, 2009 6:32 AM | Link to this
After the loss to the Suns, Woody said we’ll just have to bounce back. Well, we just witnessed how your team bounces back.
By O'brien
January 27, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this
When your starting backcourt has 10 turnovers between them, you know it’s going to be a long night.
And the last couple games, we’ve seen Josh start out looking good, but for some reason, we always seem to go away from him in the second half. Is that coaching, or lack of execution?
On a side note, against Philly last night, CP3 almost had a quadruple double. 27pts, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, 7 steals. Wow.
By dap01
January 27, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this
Joe and Bibby have hit the wall. Bibby is great but he is the most unathletic person on the Hawks.
If Woody would get his focus off of the short term and realize that he should be focused on the long term good of the team, he would play AC, Solo and Rand Mo more.
One last thing, we are so much better when we pass and distribute the ball. The ISO’s for Joe and Flip and not working.
We score with ease throughout a game then bog down at crunch time.
By Clyde
January 27, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this
FIRE WOODY
DING!!!!!
By smartguy
January 27, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this
Woody is the worst. Clyde is the best! His posts on other blogs around here are great as well.
Whoever thinks Woody is in line for coach of the year needs to check themselves in a mental institution. Mike Woodson will not receive even a single vote. Worst coach in Atlanta history.
By Daniel
January 27, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
Good Grief A Historic Evening of Frustration. Oh, Acie got to play.. I’m suprised he didn’t go for 20 and 10 The test for this team will be how they rebound for the next game. Was this just one of those crazy flukes? Here are some interesting topics to discuss.. What reasonable moves can the Hawks make this season to get better? What will it take to keep Bibby (and should we)? And by the way, I never suggested that people shouldn’t post; I just said that their opinions were embarrassing. Also, I think that my critique of this blog is fair and generated better discussion…
Sekou, I think asking why the blog has to be so myopic is a fair question and worth discussing.
By The Truth
January 27, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
So much has been said about the Hawks performance against the Heat, I certainly don’t need to add any more salt on an open wound. All you bloggers have been “The Truth” in describing this loss. I will just say, as I observed the game, that JJ is central to what’s going wrong with the Hawk’s offense right now. I say that because the most of the offense goes through JJ. So as JJ goes, so does the Hawks; only a few exceptions to that rule. Right now, there is no flow to the offense, it’s all ISO Joe. The offense is stagnated with JJ trying to get off. When we go small ball; that puts JJ down low playing SF where he is becoming a ball hog at times trying to penetrate. He is not the same threat at SF as he is at SG when he is on his game. It is ok to get in the paint and penetrate, but it should be within the flow of the game and not forcing the issue. This is why there are so many turn-overs. I know his assist numbers are deceivingly high lately but that is because he gets so many touches per game. Also, it seems our opponents have watch enough film to figure out that to beat the Hawks is to harass and frustrate JJ with a lot of bodies on him. As an “all-star”, JJ maybe feeling entitled and he is getting no respect from the Referees. That bad dunk attempt JJ made was an example of his frustrations. Woody is not making any adjustments in this regard so it just a one pony show on set offense plays for the Hawks.
I first was willing to believe that fatigue was the only issue as JJ logs a lot of minutes. But I think there is something else going on perhaps a good old fashion slump. If that is the case, than most shooters usually shoot themselves out of slumps as Bibby will probably do. But they have to keep shooting; not hold the ball and turn it over.
By Lacsho
January 27, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Banks
You know you’re my man, but I disagree with just about everything you said. I hate to say this but you sound like Samuel. (that’s not a good thing)
Give Bibby a 3yr 10 million contract. Wow is this really you typing that Banks? I think someone is using your moniker
Woody coy, hmmmm is this really you banks? Again, please tell me someone is using your moniker. How can Woody be coy when this team plays so inconsistent? Two games in a row the hawks go scoreless during an entire quarter. Once again your coy has failed to develop the Hawks future pg. You want to pay someone 10 million when he’s a defensive liability. Every pg we’ve faced outplays our pg. Yes Bibby can put up some 20pt games, and occasionally he’ll dish out some dimes. However he not a consistent player and he give up huge numbers to the other team’s pg. SMH please come back Banks. You’re still my man, but you have to walk this walk alone, or you can walk it with your boy Samuel…..
Ray you took the words right out of my mouth. Once again you have nailed it.
Doc I agree we have know superstar on this team. A superstar takes over the game, and if they can’t hit a jump shot they take the ball to the hole, and when they’re driving to the hole they don’t shy from contact. A superstar will get in his team’s azz, yet our so-called superstar relies on a damn jump shot.
I don’t care what anyone says on this blog; I’d rather have Chills, instead of mo and flip. Mo defense sucks, and he’s forever shooting a damn jump shot(at the wrong time), and his jump shot is inconsistent. At least Chills would take the ball to the hole and draw a damn foul. Furthermore, he’s a better defensive player. I give flip credit at least he will drive to the hole, but his defense sucks. It’s easy to see why he’s a NBA journeyman. (Just like his counterpart mo)
Lastly, a coy will sit his starters down after watching them play horrible basketball. Someone made a comment about coaching church league. There are a lot of awful high school coaches out there!! You would think this guy is Dean Smith because he coaches high school. smh
By Melvin
January 27, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t help but notice Marvin’s comments. I wonder if there’s some mutiny in the locker room. Hopefully, I’m reading too much into his statements.
“It makes no sense,” Hawks forward Marvin Williams said. “We have to figure this out, though, because we can’t keep going like this. It can’t keep happening like this. We have to stick together through times like this.”
By Melvin
January 27, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
And I think everybody really has to check themselves. We’re not making the extra pass on offense and we’re turning the ball over and honestly, it’s very frustrating at this point in the season to see us spinning our wheels like this after all that we’ve done.”
Uh Joe, please tell me who has the ball in their hands more on the offensive end of the court than you…
“We really have to go back and look at the game we won and copy that blueprint every night,” said Hawks forward Josh Smith, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. “We’re doing this to ourselves and it just doesn’t make any sense. I wish I could explain why we’re not playing the right way to start these games, because I’d fix it if I knew.”
Like I said about Marvin comments. I smell Mutiny…
By The Truth
January 27, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
Melvin Don’t play Jedi mind tricks on yourself. Perhaps it is as you preceive it to be.
By ant banks
January 27, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this
lacsho what’s that happs my brutha. listen, cancell that woody coy thing. i was basin’ that on the first 30 games.
cancel the bibby thing, too. i am not jumpin’ off the bandwagon, but i have taken the seat belt off.
also, cancel the jj allstar thing, too. there is no way that an all star would let his team come out flat like that, night after night.
they way that we have been playin’, i am not sure how long we will hold on to that 4th seed. detroit, and miami breathin’ down our throught.
By STRETCH
January 27, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this
Folks, this team would be a lot better if they had ANYBODY but WOODSON coaching. This guy is the numero uno Idiot. He has no clue what-so-ever! How he remains the coach after this season will probably baffle even him!
These Hawks are slowly creeping backwards and will find themselves trying to stay out of the 7/8 spots by playoff time.
The Woodson experience has and will not work(the players dont even listen to him). Management is awfull, they dont see what the fans see.
Seriously, after making it to the playoffs last season and pushing the NBA champions to 7 games in the first round, the front office should have been doing everything in their power to make this team more competitive.
You have a team thats been terrible for years, you need something to happen and it happens…but what did they do? NOTHING which shows why the city of Atlanta will always be until they figure it out….LOSERVILLE, thats just the way it is folks.
By Sautee
January 27, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Daniel
About this: Here are some interesting topics to discuss.. What reasonable moves can the Hawks make this season to get better? What will it take to keep Bibby (and should we)? And by the way, I never suggested that people shouldn’t post; I just said that their opinions were embarrassing. Also, I think that my critique of this blog is fair and generated better discussion…
I sincerely hope that you didn’t hurt your shoulder, patting yourself on the back. And for no reason.
Daniel, these supposed “new topics” have been analyzed to death already here. Just because folks didn’t discuss these topics to your satisfaction, doesn’t mean that these are “new and interesting topics for discussion”.
And exactly what title do YOU have, that you can confer approval or disapproval with someone’s opinion?
You’re no better than anyone else here. Get over it.
By Lacsho
January 27, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
Banks I’m glad to see you back. You really had me worried.
I hear the same story from the players and the coach. Last week Woody said he couldn’t depend on the bench b/c they haven’t played much. Duh its because once again you have failed to develop the bench. What a freaking idiot.
Stretch you’re absolutely right my friend.
By Bandwagon Driver
January 27, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Wagon’s full…everybody off! And don’t come back!
By Jim Burn is Roaming
January 27, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
Fire Woodson? Would you have a heart transplant in the middle of a marathon? If you really needed it, I am sure that you would. You would have to forfeit your 4th place position, but hey, you would live to see another day.
Changing coaches in the middle of the season for a team that is in 4th place would be ludicrous. Who would be the “new” coach. I am sure that he would employ a new philosophy, which would take time for the team to learn at the cost of losing games, thus slipping beyond 4th seed.
Allow Woodson to finish the season. I have never been a proponent of firing a WINNING coach during the middle of the season, unless he did something immoral.
I am surprised at his assistant coaches though. A captain of the ship can only see so much, that is why he has assistants. The assistants should be bringing something back to him as far as bringing about changes. This is vital for them to possible get a head coaching position later. If the team looks good, the assistance look good.
By atl404hoops
January 27, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
Lascho
I agree with you about Childress. He was the closest thing the Hawks had to a lock down on the ball defender. Childress 6’7” slim frame combined with his athleticism gave him the ability to guard shooting guards and small forwards effectively. Johnson is a decent defender but he is too big to stay in front of the faster quicker 2-guards.
The Hawks have failed to take advantage of a relatively soft January schedule and pad their record. They only play four teams (5 games) with a winning record this month. The schedule gets brutal towards the end of February into March. So let’s forget this talk about winning 50 games and just focus on trying to secure the 4 seed to gain home court advantage in the first round.
By Dell
January 27, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
So what if they win 50 gms and/or make the playoffs? What next? There is no way they go anywhere from that point! The Hawks have no floor leader, nor are they aggresive enough to win consistantly in the playoffs. That “killer instinct” (or a certain arrogance) has been a key component in all championship teams.
By happyhawk
January 27, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
can’t blame any of our players cause i can see that their trying hard to win every game without good coaching. i think its woodson’s fault why we’re losing right now. if you noticed that jj and bb has been the key and the main reason of our success in the early part of the season. any their playing an avg. of 38-42 mins/game. so we should have expected for something like this to happen. joe has started slumping late of dec. now its bibby. take note that our backcourts is the focal point of our offense. if they’re off then we should expect that it’s going to be a long night. i think both jj and bb’s slumping is the effect of playing too many minutes. and who makes the decisions on the rotation its woodson!!! he’s so scared of losing his job that he rely on jj and bb to save his a* every night. he doesn’t care if his backcourt passed out for playing too many minutes as long as he can keep his job. he must be panicking like sh*t right now. he’s not even trying to develop AC he must be confident enough that bb can play 38-40 mins for him the entire season. what a guy. some smart coach that we have.
By coach ac
January 27, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this
Fire Woodson? Come on y’all, the Hawks have improved every year under the man. Here is what I want to know; who will we get instead of Woddson and how will they improve the team. I don’t think some of you guys have even a rudimentary understanding of the game. The reason Acie sin’t playing is that he hasn’t shown himself to be reliable in pracitce.
By Hey Sekou
January 27, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Can’t put a positive spin on this my friend. Woodson’s taking this ship down with him. We as fans can all see it. Why can’t management? Time for a change!
By Melvin
January 27, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
Bandwagon Driver, how can the wagon be full when you said everybody off… Shouldn’t that have read EMPTY… Maybe everybody got off b/c you were about to drive them into a ditch…
By smh
January 27, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
I see the great Samuel didn’t comment on his boy Bibby stinking it up last night. He was looking old and slow but of course Samuel never comments on Bibby when he stinks it up.. It was said in the off season and ill say it again, Chills with the addition of Mo and Flip would have been a lot more effective… Evans defense is vastly overrated and he has trouble finishing around the hoop. Flip came in last night and did what Flip does, look for his shot and not pass the ball to anyone. Oh yea he was routinely beat on defense last night by a rookie pg. Woodson once again made no adjustments, tried nothing new, and stopped going to Josh although he was highly effective in the post.. Can we stop interviewing Woodson? This guy has been saying the same thing for five years in a row. Its always we have to do this or that yet he does none of it. He admitted last year he did not listen to his assistant coaches so I would not be shocked if he isn’t listening to them again this year….We could have had Magloire but we signed Randy Mo who doesn’t even play. Good job there Sund…I know ya boy Samuel will support you regardless of what little you have really done here. Lmao@anyone who thinks Woodrow will win coach of the year. This cat couldn’t win coach of the year if he coached a free lunch team and his team was the only team there….. But hey I guess we can always bring up how we are the fourth seed although Miami looks like they could pass us…
By Lacsho
January 27, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
The assistant coaches can only do so much. Again, I repeat that’s why they wanted to jump ship last year. A supervisor can give their opinion, but it’s up to the manager to give that opinion consideration, and actually implement that suggestion.
I think Larry Drew should be interim coach, and then the Hawks can find a decent coach during the off-season.
Coach AC I have more than a basic understanding of the game. Wow rudimentary, I guess that word was suppose to throw us off…lol However, the coaches name is Woodson, not Woddson……
By Lacsho
January 27, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
The assistant coaches can only do so much. Again, I repeat that’s why they wanted to jump ship last year. A supervisor can give their opinion, but it’s up to the manager to give that opinion consideration, and actually implement that suggestion.
I think Larry Drew should be interim coach, and then the Hawks can find a decent coach during the off-season.
Coach AC I have more than a basic understanding of the game. Wow rudimentary, I guess that word was suppose to throw us off…lol However, the coaches name is Woodson, not Woddson……
By The Truth
January 27, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
WHAT WE KNOW AND DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE HAWKS UP TO THIS POINT IN THE SEASON:
We know that Woody is not COY. Even the hard cores are playing politics right now.
We still don’t know how good or how bad this Hawk team can really be. Sometimes it seems they can push beyond the 4th seed and then sometimes you wonder, how in the hell they are standing so high at 4th position or should they even be contending at all for a playoff spot.
We know that JJ is slumping but we don’t know how low he will go.
We know that Bibby is consistently, inconsistent.
We know that Josh is playing better as of late but we don’t know whether or not it’s a fluke.
We don’t know whether or not management will make any trade moves or acquisition before the deadline. They have shown they are capable of making moves (they did acquire Bibby) but that’s only when there is a glaring problem. The question is do they see what some of us see?
By ray
January 27, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
O’Brien,
You make a great point: 10 turnovers from our veteran, starting backcourt. Says a lot…
Matt=niremetal,
I agree that Joe Johnson plays some hard minutes. But I still see him as an all-star, rather than a true superstar. I don’t think that’s a knock on JJ, just an opinion based on some things I see. I do agree that JJ would probably do better under a better coach. But superstars shine no matter where they go, and no matter who they play for or with.
Chris Paul does not have the world’s greatest surrounding cast, and half of them are injured right now. But he destroys teams by himself on the regular. Same for Kobe. Same for Lebron. How about Allen Iverson? Different teams, different coaches, same result. After 12 years in the league (and way too many coaching changes, team changes) dude is FINALLY slowing down to uh..ONLY about 18ppg. Under a rookie coach, with a struggling team, he’s finally come down to the all-star/very damn good player level. To me (and this is just my opinion), a superstar is a guy who can play at all-star level, no matter where he is or who he’s playing for, or with.
Wade is a true superstar. He’s leading the league in scoring while averaging 7.2 assists per game. He’s playing for a rookie coach. And he’s surrounded by rookies and sophomores, and role players. Shawn Marion is injured half the time. Wade averages just 1.7 minutes per game less than Joe Johnson. The Miami Heat had the worst record in the league last year with 15 total wins. This year they are 24-19, fifth seed in the East. Why? Dwayne Wade. True Superstar. Either that, or Erik Spolestra deserves to be considered COY, far more than a guy like Woodson….
Again, I’m not bashing Joe. But superstardom is a hard road to get to. If Joe were a true superstar, would he have been the 4th option on offense for the Suns? No. Would they have let him go the way they did? Don’t think so. Joe is awesome, but he’s not quite there yet, IMHO. I agree that he is called upon to do a lot, and too much in some ways. I agree with just about everything you said about Woodson. And there’s no need for Joe to be called upon to do what he’s asked to do. But for that, we point towards the coach, and management. Joe’s clearly an all-star and a very special player. But I don’t think we’ve seen him yet turn into the guy who can take over any game at any time, regardless of what the defense tries to do. But that’s just me…I’m just a fan with an opinion…
By ray
January 27, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
Lacsho,
Creflo Dollar should call you up and take notes. You’ve been preaching nothing but THE TRUTH. You had me rollin’ with that church league and high school coach stuff…I couldn’t drink anything for like 10 minutes, dude. You gotta warn me when you’re going to do that, lol!
Coach ac,
So what has Acie been doing wrong in practice? You have been to all of the practices, haven’t you?
The Truth,
I don’t even want to hear this COY with Woodson. Stan Van Gundy has his guys playing for top billing IN THE LEAGUE, Spolestra’s crew is fighting off Detroit for 5th in the East after winning just 15 games last season, and George Karl has HIS crew playing stellar ball WITHOUT Carmelo Anthony, despite losing their best defensive player in years (Marcus Camby) over the summer, AND having traded Iverson for Billups during the freakin’ season. I’m just sayin’….
Now here’s the deal: If we were in the 4th/5th seed late in the season, I’d be quick to say that all this “Woodson cricism” was totally uncalled for. As it is, we’re still well above .500 with a record of 26-18, and Woodson does deserve some credit for that. But this team is inconsistent, and you can only go so far with blaming the players (while simultaneously acting like the coach is perfect). We are losing games now that we should be winning. We all know the season only gets harder, not easier. The better teams dig deeper, and the playoff-race and playoff positioning gets more intense. We need to fix problems NOW while we can, and while they don’t cost us as much as they will later. Going scoreless for so long in a game will guarantee losses later in the season. And unless motivation and mental toughness increase, we will suffer longer, more costly losing streaks.
Having said that, we are badly missing Horford. But we’ve been in games without him, games we coulda, shoulda won.
Woodson has done a better job in times past, put simple, organic, personal, natural player growth gets credit as well, along with the addition of Mike Bibby, Evans, and Murray. This team is on pace to do something really good and take a virtual leap. If it stumbles, there is a reason for it. And injuries, as much as we’ve experienced, have not shown to be the only or main reason why. As I said, we’ve been in position to win games without key guys.
By Sautee
January 27, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this
new blog up